LS – What I Need from You

What is meant by it?

What I need from you is an agile way of asking other people what they need to do to become successful. So, when you get over your misunderstandings and prejudices with each other, you will be able to learn from each other and achieve your goals.

How is it done?

You can begin this liberating structure by inviting participants to ask other people what they need to become successful in a goal. A large room will be required with chairs in the middle of the room for 3-7 people to sit. Each participant will be given a paper to record their responses and the things they need. Everyone will get the chance to ask and respond equally. Before beginning this program, you will first have to describe the steps to all the participants. Use 1-2-4-all technique to create a list of the things they need within 5-15 minutes. All the participants will then come in the middle of the room and form a circle. One by one, each participant will state their two needs from each participant within 15 minutes. Then, each participant will write down their responses on their paper whether it is ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or ‘I will try.’ Then, they all will form a circle and make their requests again to which the other participants will respond.

What is its purpose?

It will help you to let other people know what you need from them with clarity. You can also mend the relationship with other people. It will also teach you how to give clear responses to someone’s request.

What are its Tips and Traps?

Let the participants know that if their response is ‘whatever,’ then it means that the request was vague to answer. There should not be an immediate response. Make sure to encourage the participants to ask what they truly need from the other person to be successful. Elaborations for responses should not be given. Try to have fun during this activity and don’t get too serious.

Examples – Where can it be used?

What I need from you can be used in the following circumstances:

  • When deciding a rapidly changing market.
  • When establishing a patient-centered care initiative.
  • For making your relationship with someone more productive.

— Slimane Zouggari